Lou Thesz was one of many who considered Luther Lindsay the best African-American wrestler of all time. Big, powerful and fast, he played college football at Hampton Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, and later in the Canadian Football League. He then turned to pro wrestling and was trained by Stu Hart in the art of hooking.

Well known for his skills and athletic abilities in the ring, he was popular outside the ring as well. He died from a heart attack during a match in 1972, at age 47.